Bill Walton's longtime broadcast partner Dave Pasch and other media peers remember ex-commentator after death: 'Love you my friend'

Bill Walton's death at the age of 71 on Monday sparked a flood of heartfelt tributes from his sports media peers - including his longtime broadcast partner Dave Pasch.

Pasch, who worked with Walton at ESPN for 12 years calling Pac-12 college basketball, took to X to memorialize the NBA Hall of Famer and legendary commentator, who died after a battle with cancer.

'There will never be another Bill,' Pasch wrote as she shared a photo of the eccentric Walton calling a Pac-12 game in a tank top.

 'Love you & miss you my friend.'

Pasch also described their 'special friendship' on SportsCenter. 

'He used to tell me a lot, he'd take the headset during a commercial break and just say to me, 'I love you, but don't tell anybody.' 

'Because he enjoyed the fact that I was the sparring partner [on air], and he could have fun with me and just take shots at me. And I knew that it was all part of the game. And that off the air, we had a great friendship, Bill paid for every meal.

Walton was known for his unconventional sense of humor, as he once ate a cupcake with a lit candle during a broadcast and another time rubbed dirt on himself during a game.

In that vein, Pasch spoke on Monday about how Walton hilariously lied about being the inspiration for Star Wars' Chewbacca in February.

'He and I just died laughing, how people took it so seriously,' Pasch said.

Many other prominent sports media names joined Pasch in remembering Walton, including former ESPN writer and Ringer founder Bill Simmons.

'Rest in peace Bill Walton — a true one of one, somehow who brought as much joy and creativity to the sport of basketball as anyone ever,' he wrote on X.

Another former colleague, ESPN's Jay Bilas, said, 'He may have been the greatest college basketball player of all time. He was an all-time great pro as well. ... But more than that ... He was an absolutely magnificent, beautiful person that you just loved to be around at all times.'

And another ex-ESPNer, Rachel Nichols, shared a humorous story involving the former UCLA star.

'My favorite Bill Walton experience: when he came to visit us at The Jump, saw a framed photo we had on set of Bill Russell (his favorite player), and simply walked over, grabbed it - and took it home,' she said, along with a video of the described story. 'The whole thing was absolutely delightful. What a force; he will be so missed.'

Tony Reali, host of ESPN's Around the Horn, said, 'Bill Walton was one of the greatest college basketball players ever then persevered through inconceivable injuries to be a definitive pro and that wasn't even the half of it.

'We lovingly refer to our most unique as American Originals but with Walton that doesn't quite get to it and is wrong anyway because we all know Bill traveled intergalactically and on a multiverse plane.'

And 'Get Up!' host Mike Greenberg added, 'Absolutely crushed to hear of the passing of the legendary Bill Walton, whose intellect, sense of humor, and zest for life were even bigger than he was. He was also, when healthy, every bit as good a big man as there ever was, with a game that was decades ahead of his time - he'd have been perfect for today's NBA.

'Sending love and condolences to his family, I will cherish the memories of our many conversations for the rest of my life.'

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy also said, 'RIP to Bill Walton. A true 1 of 1. If you haven't watched the Bill Walton 30 for 30 'The Luckiest Guy in the World' it's must watch stuff. A deep sad dive into one of the most unique men whoever lived. Nobody bled more Celtic green that him.'

Even former US President Barack Obama shared some kind words, writing, 'Bill Walton was one of the greatest basketball players of all time – a champion at every level and the embodiment of unselfish team play.   

'He was also a wonderful spirit full of curiosity, humor and kindness. We are poorer for his passing, and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family.'